We have a new editorial board to introduce this week! They’ve been hard at work planning a very full and fun February Fat Quarter Month. Today we welcome Alissa from Handmade by Alissa. Alissa has been sewing for just over a year and in that time she’s made some of the most beautiful quilts and patchwork items we’ve seen. She loved Quilting Month last year and participated in our block sew-along with an amazing series of blocks. Alissa now takes quilt commissions so be sure to get in touch via her contact information on Handmade by Alissa.

Enjoy Alissa’s interview below and then be sure to spend time at Handmade by Alissa. Alissa is working on a sew-along project for Fat Quarter Month so we can all play along; we can’t wait!

SMS: How long have you been sewing?
Alissa: I’ve only been sewing for a bit more than a year, but it’s been a life changing year. I have sewed A LOT in that time. I grew up with my mother sewing, so once I started, it felt very natural. I have completely found my passion and I’m thrilled about it!

SMS: What do you enjoy about sewing? What are your favorite things to make?
Alissa: My favorite thing about sewing is how in the moment you are. There’s something so relaxing and fulfilling about only focusing on the task at hand and having a solid, touchable result at the end of it. What I love to make the most (and have almost exclusively made) is quilts. There are endless design possibilities and I love watching each quilt come together, step by step.

SMS: How do you find time to fit creativity (sewing and any other creative loves) into your life?
Alissa: I’m very lucky because I currently have a lot of time to sew. I work freelance, so when I’m between jobs I get to sew full time. Also, I don’t have any kids yet so I can spend my free time sewing when I want to. I’m certain that this time will become much less available once my husband and I start a family, so I’m really enjoying it meanwhile!

SMS: Do you have a favorite sewing tip or skill that’s made things work better for you?
Alissa: Take some risks with your choices. I’m often surprised with how well some fabrics, that you wouldn’t have have though would go together, end up working out. Also, I’m not a perfectionist at all. That makes it much easier for me to like something even when there’s mistakes!

Alissa’s Land & Sea Quilt for her sister.

SMS: What’s a favorite thing you’ve made lately?
Alissa: I really love a quilt that I made for my sister. I love the colors, the variety of fabrics and the simple but modern feel that it has. I also made it block by block with no regard for the final design (my favorite way to make a quilt) so I really enjoyed making it. I love the design step most of all, so the longer it lasts into the quilt making process, the better for me!

SMS: Can you tell us a little more about yourself?
Alissa: I live in Los Angeles with my husband and our pets. My “real job” is working as a casting director for reality shows. It’s fun work, but quilting is how I most like to spend my time. I’m a fabric nut and have learned so much about sewing from Sew,Mama,Sew!, so I’m excited to be a part of the editorial board!

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Meet Kristin + Beth

We always travel with handmade bags. We have vintage embroidery framed on our walls, piles of fabric next to the sewing machine and more WIPs than we'll ever finish. We love the history, craft and artistry of sewing. Read More

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